Northern Rehab set to celebrate 35th anniversary

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists will host an open house Sept. 12 to celebrate the business's 35th anniversary.

DeKALB – Northern Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Associates began in 1978 with one clinic, owned and operated by Tim Dunlop. Today, the business is celebrating its 35th year of serving the community.

Dunlop was the director of physical therapy at Northern Illinois University Health Services when he began consulting for a number of organizations.

“I loved the clinical challenge and enjoyed it immensely,” he said. “This began my interest and opportunity to eventually open my own clinic.”

The original clinic was located on South Second Street in DeKalb. As the community and the role of physical therapy in health care grew, so did Northern Rehab. In 1983, it moved to a larger facility on Health Services Drive, and in 1995 it moved to its current location on Resource Parkway. Throughout its history, the business has been owned and operated by physical therapists.

“Tim established a private practice with a focus on providing high quality, personalized physical therapy services in a fun, friendly atmosphere,” said Ken Olson, who joined Northern Rehab in 1996 and became president of the organization in 2006. “We try to live up to that standard with every patient we treat.”

The business expanded to a second location in 2001, a third in 2005 and a fourth in 2010. There are now two Northern Rehab locations in DeKalb, one in Rochelle and one in Genoa. The name changed to Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists, reflecting the specializations of the business’ 10 physical therapists.

“It is fun, good, challenging work,” Dunlop said. “We identify with our customer base and help people of all ages with all kinds of needs. We work for people who work hard and play hard, and help them regain their freedom to move.”

Anniversary Open House

4:30-6:30 p.m. Sept. 12

Northern Rehab, 3266 Resource Parkway, DeKalb

Entertainment by magician and balloon artist Magic Matt and high school jazz group Musha, door prizes, refreshments and a raffle. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. For information, call 815-756-8524 or email deb@northernrehabpt.com.